Field Milk-Vetch
Astragalus agrestis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Field Milk-Vetch (Astragalus agrestis) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Field Milk-Vetch is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, CO, IA, ID and 11 more states
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Field milkvetch is a low-growing native wildflower that forms compact clumps with delicate compound leaves and small purple or white pea-like flowers. This drought-tolerant perennial blooms from May through July and goes dormant in winter. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal watering once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Field Milk-Vetch takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very wild appearance resembles weeds
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
- Small size and informal growth habit don't meet typical landscaping standards
Wildlife value
This plant provides nectar for native bees and other small pollinators during its extended bloom period. As a member of the legume family, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
Common questions
- How much sun does Field Milk-Vetch need?
- Field Milk-Vetch grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Field Milk-Vetch bloom?
- Field Milk-Vetch blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Field Milk-Vetch native?
- Field Milk-Vetch (Astragalus agrestis) is native to CA, CO, IA, ID and 11 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Field Milk-Vetch toxic to dogs?
- Field Milk-Vetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Field Milk-Vetch toxic to cats?
- Field Milk-Vetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Field Milk-Vetch toxic to livestock?
- Field Milk-Vetch is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- What pollinators does Field Milk-Vetch attract?
- Field Milk-Vetch draws bees.
- Is Field Milk-Vetch HOA-friendly?
- Field Milk-Vetch takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Field Milk-Vetch? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.